New to this website

[kkem]

I was diagnosed a little over a month ago after 5 months of agony thinking I was having recurrent UTIs that were drug resistant. After going through 2 urologists locally, I finally went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The doctors there did not diagnose me with IC either and just put me on Cipro for two weeks. The culture they did there showed Klebsiella. I had already been on antibiotics for 4 months! Anyway, I finally went to another local doctor who is a urogynecologist and he did a PST test and I was positive. Since then, I have been taking Elmiron, and having bladder instillations, 3 the first week and then 1 a week for 6 weeks for a total of nine. I have just had my seventh one. I have been very careful with my diet and already feel a lot better. I just got the IC cookbook, A Taste of the Good Life, and I am confused that a lot of the recipes include black pepper. I thought that was a no no.
Also, I have read that many IC patients take Prelief with every meal. I bought some of this. Should I be taking this even if I am only eating bladder friendly foods. Another thing, I have not had sex with my husband for 5 months and now that I feel a little better I am terrified of causing a flare! Any advice???? Thank you.

[leelee88]

Hello and :welcome:

As far as the diet, you can use the IC diet as a guide, but only you will know what your triggers are.. Some people can have some foods while others cannot.. I for one cannot have black pepper..

Now I wish I could give you some advice about sex..But I have been refraining from it, because I am scared I will flare..

But if you need anything just ask!!

[Diamic65]

:welcome: The diet is the best way to keep your bladder calm. And one thing you should keep in mind Stress is a big trigger for a IC FLARE. You will see that a lot of us are afraid of having sex. I am big time because it dose cause me to have UTIs. They say to drink lots of water after and to empty your bladder. I do feel guilty because of my hubby. It took him a long time to understand about IC and that sex dose cause me to have UTIs. I wish you lots of luck and health. This site has been a big help for me.

DAIMIC65:puppy:

[kkem]

So people with IC who are prone to getting UTIs from sex just don't have sex anymore?

[mlzippy7]

Hello and :welcome:!!!

[Diamic65]

No we are not saying that you can not have sex anymore. But there is things you can do to help with the pain. For most ICers have problems in this area.

DIAMIC65

[VickiB]

Welcome to the ICN!

Some take Prelief before meals whether bladder friendly food or not. I only take it when I suspect whatever I'm fixing to eat or drink could be a problem. I also always take it before eating anything someone else has prepared. (I don't trust my bladder to anyone! :lmao:)

Sex and IC can be a difficult combination, but like DIAMIC65 mentioned there are things you can try to make it easier. Many of us manage to have great sex lives in spite of IC. (Though I won't say IC is not a factor or even a spoiler sometimes!) Jen started a wonderful thread on the subject: http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22522

As far as black pepper, I've never had a problem with it. On the other hand, there are some items that are well tolerated by most that will put me in a world of hurt. The diet is very good as a general guideline but the real trick is to figure out what you can eat without suffering consequences. This takes some experimenting, some trial and error, and time, but can be really worth it in the long run. You'll get there!

Glad to have you join us!
Vicki

[KarenAnne]

:welcome: I took the Prelief with every meal & snack the first 8 months. Now I have my diet down pretty well, & take it with IC friendly meals when I eat out. I will still take it at home with pears, blueberries, & dinner. Feel better soon!

[kkem]

Thank you for all of your answers to my questions! This is giving me a lot of things to think about! This food thing is really a challenge. Normally in my line of work, I travel a lot, including overseas travel, sometimes for weeks at a time. Right now, I am not traveling at all because I am trying to get my IC under control. I am just perplexed at how I am going to manage to eat in strange environments where I might not even speak the language!!:confused:

[Diamic65]

Oh my, I wish you all the luck on your travels and looking for IC friendly foods.:pray:



DIAMIC65:toilet: